PSH 20-0067 - In the Matter of Personnel Security Hearing

On September 10, 2021, an OHA Administrative Judge (AJ) issued a decision in which she determined that an Individual's DOE access authorization should be restored. To support the Guideline F security concerns, the LSO relied upon the fact that the Individual had collection accounts totaling over $50,000 and had failed to file and pay his federal and state income taxes for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The Individual presented evidence that the debt was due to his divorce. Further, his failure to file his taxes was due to his belief that he did need to file because he expected to receive a refund. The AJ found the Individual to be credible and sincere in his testimony. The Individual presented evidence that he had filed and paid all his taxes, both federal and state. Further, he presented evidence that he had begun a payment plan for both debts which were listed by the LSO. Therefore, the AJ determined that the Individual's security clearance should be restored. OHA Case No. PSH 20-0067 (Janet R. H. Fishman).